Mo'Nique was awarded the best supporting actress Oscar at the 82nd Academy Awards for her portrayal of an abusive parent in the harrowing independent drama Precious.

The 42-year-old comedienne had emerged as the overwhelming favourite for the famous golden statuette after winning a series of corresponding honours at awards shows leading to the Oscars.

Mo'Nique accepted her statuette to a standing ovation.

"I would like to thank the Academy for showing that it can be about the performance and not the politics," she said.

"To my amazing husband, Sidney - thank you for showing me that sometimes you have to forego doing what's popular in order to do what's right."

Mo'Nique becomes only the fourth black actress to win an Oscar following Hattie McDaniel, Whoopi Goldberg and Halle Berry. Source.

Photo by Getty Images: Kevin Winter